Method and apparatus for removing standing water from, and applying spray-on wax to flat and contoured surfaces and textured and patterned surfaces

ABSTRACT

A method for improving the specularity of a surface comprises steps for (a) spraying a wax material suspended in a carrier or solvent onto the surface; and (b) drawing a lip of a wiper blade across the surface, wiping away the carrier or solvent and leaving the wax material in pores and crevices of the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present patent application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/205,420 filed on De. 4, 1998, now U.S Pat. No.6,243,911. The prior application is incorporated herein in its entiretyby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is in the field of car-wash accessories andpertains more particularly to hand-held devices used for removingstanding water from, and applying spray-on wax to automobiles and othervehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One of the largest and most lucrative product markets in theUnited States involves cosmetic accessories for automobiles and lighttrucks. There are literally thousands of products available that arededicated to enhancing the cosmetic appearance of a consumer's pride andjoy, namely, his automobile. From products that add luster to anexpensive paint job, to products that add sparkle to chrome, all one hasto do is visit a local parts store to see discover a broad range of suchinnovative products.

[0004] One category of products possibly containing the least varietyfrom which to choose is car-wash products. Car-wash accessories known inthe art include special towels for removing water and drying automobilefinishes after a car-wash, or chamois cloths for absorption of excesswater and the like. Other products in this category include automatedhot-air blowers for quick drying the automobile finish, or varioushand-held cloth or synthetic pads for rubbing excess water off of anautomobiles finish.

[0005] Bottled solutions or treatments are sometimes employed as aids toreducing spotting or staining of automobiles finish often resulting fromstanding water. The type of water used in washing a car plays a part inpossible spotting or staining that may be present on an automobilesfinish after a wash. For example, if the water is very hard (has a lotof dissolved minerals) minerals, resultant spotting can be extreme;whereas, if the water is softer, spotting may be lessened. These bottledsolutions or pastes are designed to reduce spotting via theirinteraction with the water itself.

[0006] Further to the above, many professional detailers offerfull-service hand washing and regular wash programs. One of theadvantages of this type of service for the customer is that the vehicleis cleaned with a detailer's touch, which tends to be much more thoroughthan a standard car wash. One of the most useful products used by aprofessional detailer is a chemical/liquid spray-on wax product. Suchmulti-purpose products may be used for adding extra gloss to the finishof a vehicle after a full-service wash, for example, or for touching upthe finish of the vehicle after an exterior detail job, showroom wipingand dry-washing.

[0007] Spray-on waxes were originally developed for the show vehicleindustry, allowing technicians to quickly wipe dust and fingerprints offof the vehicles on display or in long-term storage. If the vehicle isnever exposed to any substantial amount of direct sunlight, then theprotection provided by occasional spray waxing is often sufficient.Spray waxes also provide the consumer with many similar advantages, oneof which is providing a quick way to accomplish light surface cleaningof the vehicle's finish, such as removing dust and fingerprints, and soon.

[0008] Most spray waxes also have a high silicone content which helps tohide minor surface imperfections such as micro-scratches and the typicalmethod of application, simply spraying on and wiping off, allowsdetailers and consumers alike to do all of this very quickly. Theprotective wax or silicone elements in typical spray-on products aresolid in nature and are suspended in the water-based or chemical-basedsolution after thorough mixing of the product, and in general, the moresolids to spray-on wax contains, the more cleaning and protective powerto product will have. Higher solid content, however, also means that thespray-on wax will be more difficult to buff off using the conventionalmeans of application and wiping off with a cloth or chamois.

[0009] An advantage for consumers in using such spray-on wax products isthat the vehicle receives a protective coating that lasts typically oneto two weeks, and the consumer is not required to pay the substantialcost of a complete exterior detail job.

[0010] Properly applied, the application of spray-on wax productsprovides a finish on the vehicle which appears much shinier, with lessvisible micro-scratches, then it would if it was simply washed anddried.

[0011] Most spray-on cleaning and waxing products on the market todayare simply water-based chemicals with a mild cleaning ability providingone to two weeks of protective value for the paint of the vehicle.Others are solvent-based and thus provide slightly more cleaning andprotective abilities. Many manufacturers now carry a liquid spray waxdesigned just for cleaning the surface finish of the vehicle withoutwater, the idea being that if the vehicle is not extensively dirty ormuddy, a detailer can spray the dry-wash liquid directly onto thevehicle surface and wipe it off with a cloth or chamois, removing boththe cleaner and any dirt that is on the surface. Such dry-washingproducts are usually the most effective cleaners and provide the longestprotective durability, often lasting up to several months. Many dry-washproducts also contain stronger protective elements, when compared tostandard spray-on wax/cleaning products, some even containing an addedliquefied polymer sealant, providing a protective durability that canrange from several weeks to several months.

[0012] At the time of this patent application the most successful (leastdamaging) method known in the art for removing standing water from anautomobile finish, and evenly distributing and wiping spray-onwax/cleaning products is likely the time-tested chamois. The chamois isa highly flexible section of treated animal skin that has a largeabsorption capability. The chamois is typically used just after theautomobile has been rinsed. It is laid out on the surface and pulled inthe direction of the user for removing standing water, and, in the caseof spreading and buffing of sprayed-on wax, or similar spray-onproducts, is wiped in a back and forth or circular pattern inalternating directions.

[0013] Although the chamois cloth is widely accepted as a viable methodfor removing standing water and wiping sprayed-on wax products asdescribed above, there are some inherent problems and limitationsassociated with its use. Because of the chamois cloth's persistentadhesion to a wet surface, moving the chamois from side to side, or atdirections away from the user, such as when wiping sprayed-on waxproducts, is relatively difficult. The chamois cloth has a tendency tofold or roll under itself if it is not being pulled directly toward theuser. This drawback limits accessibility to areas that may need to bewiped. Another problem is that, while a chamois is very successful inabsorbing standing water and spreading spray-on wax, the chamois must bewrung out when it is loaded with water and/or spray-on wax products, andsuch cloths are difficult to wring.

[0014] Because of these difficulties several chamois cloths must oftenbe used to completely remove standing water or other liquid materialsfrom a vehicle finish. Although the chamois is very soft and generallyharmless to a paint job or finish, it is possible that unseen dirt orparticles left over from the car-wash process get lodged in the chamoisand can cause scratches when the chamois is pulled across, or otherwisewiped across the surface of an automobile. This can be particularlydisturbing for those who own expensive show cars that support specialauto paints that may be susceptible to scratching.

[0015] Moreover, if a spray-on wax is applied to the wet surfaces of thevehicle just after washing, or is applied to a dry just-washed surface,a first cloth or chamois (or set thereof) is required for spreading thesprayed-on wax product, which may be mixed with the standing water (ornot, in the case of dry-washing/waxing), and a second set ofcloths/chamois is required to finally wipe and buff the waxed finish toa shine.

[0016] It is well-known in the art that a typical painted surface of avehicle, although it may appear perfectly smooth to the naked eye, isactually quite porous, containing many tiny pores in the form of valleysand crevices. This is especially apparent when the painted surface isviewed under very high magnification. An inherent problem in using acloth or chamois for spreading and buffing spray-on wax products isthat, since the wiping and buffing process must typically occur veryquickly after application of the spray-on wax because of rapidevaporation of the very thin layer of water and/or carrier solution, theprotective wax solids which are suspended in the carrier solution do nothave the opportunity to settle into the pores, and also are noteffectively forced into the porous surfaces of the paint surface by thewiping action of a cloth or chamois. Many of the tiny wax solids willtend to be collected by the cloth or chamois instead of desirably beingforced into the pores and thereby creating a glossier finish.

[0017] Other types of cloths are available and well known in the art,such as re-washable towels that are sold in most auto-care shops. Theabsorption qualities, as well as the scratch resistant properties ofthese products typically vary. These towel-type products are generallyintended for users who expect marginal results and are not overlyconcerned with the cosmetic appearance of their automobiles. Similarly,hand-held pads of the type made out of synthetic fiber vary in theirabsorption quality, as well as scratch resistant properties. Whilehand-held pads provide a convenient place for a user's hand (usuallystraps on the top surface), they do little else to improve thetechnology of water removal or evenly distributing spray-on wax productsand enabling the wax solids to more completely fill the tiny pores ofthe paint.

[0018] It is well known in the art that some products with rubber-likeblades, such as squeegees and windshield wipers, work fairly wellremoving water from a flat or slightly curved surface. These devices,however, are not well adapted to removal of standing water fromautomobile bodies, because they cannot conform to the sometimes radicaland compound curvature of an automobile body. Moreover, many body panelsfor vehicles such as trucks and airplanes have uneven surfaces, such asbroken by rivet heads and the like, and also by intentional functionalor ornamental patterns. One such pattern is a diamond shape panel thatis well-known in the art and used for truck trailers and the like.Wipers are not known in the art that are efficient in removing standingwater from such surfaces.

[0019] Air blowers are sometimes employed to evaporate standing waterdroplets on a surface. This method is most used in automated car washesand the like; and it is well known in the art that an automobile ownerconcerned with the cosmetic appeal of his or her vehicle would not,under normal circumstances, patronize a commercial auto-wash.

[0020] Moreover, air blowers of the type that are hand-held aretypically difficult because they are cumbersome, awkward, and ratherheavy to hold for the time it takes to dry a car body. Furthermore,power cords can get in the way while working on an automobile surface,and cause scratches and other damage as well. In addition, electricityand or battery costs may be a deterrent to those having to wash multipleautomobiles such as would be the case with a car dealership, etc.

[0021] What is clearly needed is a method and apparatus for removingstanding water from surfaces that is adapted to conform around thesometimes compound and radical curvature of automobile bodies, andaround rivet heads and other projections from surfaces to be dried, andis at the same time gentle to surface finishes, easy to use,inexpensive, and durable. The method and apparatus in variousembodiments is also enabled for evenly spreading spray-on wax or othersuch vehicle finish products that are sprayed on a wet or dryjust-washed painted surface, while significantly improving theapplication of the distributed wax or other such solids down into thepores of the paint. It is to these objects and others that the presentinvention is dedicated, and apparatus and methods are taught herein inenabling detail for accomplishing these ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method forimproving the specularity of a surface is provided, comprising the stepsof (a) spraying a wax material suspended in a carrier or solvent ontothe surface; and (b) drawing a lip of a wiper blade across the surface,wiping away the carrier or solvent and leaving the wax material in poresand crevices of the surface.

[0023] In some embodiments there is further a step prior to steps (a)and (b) for washing the surface, leaving water droplets on the surface.In some embodiments the water left on the surface after washing may beallowed to dry. IN some cases the surface may have curved portions, andthe wiper blade may have a height between the lip and a handlesufficient to allow the lip to form around the curved portions. Thesurface may be the painted surface of a vehicle, such as a car or atruck.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention described in enabling detailbelow, for the first time a method is provided for waxing a car ortruck, wherein wax applied by spray in a carrier or a solvent may beurged into irregularities in a surface by use of the lip of a wipingblade, without requiring cloths or chamois, and leaving a highlyspecular finish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figures

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water bladein an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a broken view of a water blade insert in an embodimentof the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the water blade insert of FIG. 2taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2 in an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1 appliedto a curved surface, with the blade just touching the surface.

[0029]FIG. 4B is a view of the blade and surface of FIG. 4A from adifferent vantage.

[0030]FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the blade of FIGS. 4a and 4B withthe blade urged into the surface.

[0031]FIG. 4D is a view of the blade and surface of FIG. 4C from adifferent vantage.

[0032]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodimentaccording to the invention, including a molded passage and insert for arigid handle.

[0033]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a two-part molded blade andhandle according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 6 is an end view of the lip area of the water blade of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1displacing water from a diamond plate surface according to an embodimentof the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the water blade and diamond plateof FIG. 7A.

[0037]FIG. 8A is an end view of a lip design according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 9 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0041]FIG. 10A is an end view of the lip area of a water blade elementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to asurface upon which a spray-on wax has been applied, with one lip urgedinto the surface.

[0042]FIG. 10B is an end view of the lip area and surface of FIG. 10A,with water and spray-on wax, enlarged to show greater detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a hand-held water blade11 in an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating three mainelements of the assembly of water blade 11. A two-part handle consistsof a first section 15 adapted to fasten to a second section 17 with ablade insert 13 captured between the handle sections. With the handlesections joined and the blade captured, a functioning water blade 11 isformed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, handlesections 15 and 17 are molded from polypropylene in an injection moldingprocess. Injection molding is well known in the art of fabricatingvarious plastics and is considered by the inventor, in this instance, tobe a preferred process for manufacturing water blade 11. In otherembodiments, other fabrication methods may be employed such as gluingvarious parts together, or perhaps plastic welding techniques may beemployed. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that variousmaterials may be used to fabricate handle sections 15 and 17 such asDelrin, nylon, and others. Metals, wood, and the like may be used inother embodiments.

[0044] A T-shaped top portion 18 is provided in blade insert 13 whereinopposite sides of the “T” fit snugly into opposite blade slots providedin handle sections 17 and 15. A blade retaining slot 12 is shown inhandle section 15, and a similar slot is provided in section 17, thoughnot shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] Handle sections 15 and 17 are designed to fit together to form ahandle grip that retains the wiper blade, is comfortable to hold, and isof light weight. In a preferred embodiment, special texture areas areprovided around the outer edges of each handle section, although this isnot required. Recesses may be molded into handle sections 15 and 17 forthe purpose of supporting decals, logos, and the like.

[0046] In the embodiment shown a method is provided for attachment ofhandle sections 15 and 17 whereby handle section 15 has assemblybrackets such as bracket 14 that are designed to accept rivets such asrivet 19 that are to be inserted through access points shown in handlesection 17, such as the access point shown roughly in line with rivet 19and bracket 14 illustrated by the directional arrows. Bracket 14 may beformed in the molding process or may be mounted to handle section 15after molding. Bracket 14 may be fabricated from aluminum, sheet metal,or any other suitable material known in the art and of suitable strengthto provide a secure attachment.

[0047] In the embodiment shown by FIG. 1 the method of attachment isriveting. However, other methods of attachment may be used as well, suchas screws, snap inserts and the like. In another embodiment there may beno brackets or recesses but rather grooves provided and adapted for theinstallation of outer snap rings. It will be apparent to one with skillin the art that many methods, well known in the art, may be employed forattaching handle sections together without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention as described above. In still otherembodiments a one-piece handle may be provided with a T-slot adapted toengage T-section 18 of blade 13, wherein the blade may be threaded intothe slot of the one-piece handle. An advantage in this embodiment isthat there is no need for separate sections or fasteners. In still otherembodiments handles may be formed in other ways, ad some of these otherways are described in more detail below.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention lengthdimension D1 is about 12 inches, width dimension D2 is approximately{fraction (7/8 )} of an inch, and height dimension D3 is approximately1¼ of an inch. It will be apparent to one with skill in the art thatdimensions with respect to length, width, and height of the grip handleformed by handle sections 15 and 17 may vary. For example, handles ofdifferent sizes-may be provided along with blades of different sizes foruse under certain circumstances. Large sizes for large trucks andtrailers, for example, and smaller models for such as compact cars FIG.2 is a broken elevation view of blade insert 13 of FIG. 1 in anembodiment of the present invention showing approximate dimensions andvarious molded features, some of which are important to uniquefunctionality of wiper blades in embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 3 is a section view of blade insert 13 taken along section lines3-3 of FIG. 2 wherein further dimensioning is illustrated.

[0049] A lip region 21 is provided along the longitudinal bottom edge ofblade insert 13 with lip elements extending laterally from the bottomedge. This lip region may be formed in several different ways indifferent embodiments of the invention. In a preferred embodiment thelip region is formed at an angle from the blade element as describedbelow in more detail.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention blade insert13 is molded from a silicon rubber material via injection moldingprocess for similar reasons stated as stated above with respect to themolding of handle sections 17 and 15. It will be apparent to one withskill in the art that blade insert 13 may be molded from other materialsknown in the art and of suitable flexibility. In this instantembodiment, the inventor prefers silicon rubber with a flexibilityrating of approximately 30 to 70 durometer, depending on thickness ofthe blade. The flexibility of blade insert 13 can be more or less than30 to 70 durometer, depending on a number of factors that also affectfunctionality, such as blade thickness, taper, grooving, blade height,and the like.

[0051] A unique and critical function provided by unique characteristicsof blade insert 13 is its capability of conforming around sometimescompound and/or radical curves in the body of an automobile, such as ina fender section. It is an object of the present invention is to providefor eliminating standing water in these areas in a safe and efficientmanner. This unique capability is made possible in part by theapproximate dimensional proportions of blade insert 13 with respect tolength and height.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, blade 13 has a height D4 that isa significant fraction of length D1. The ability of blade 13 to formaround curved surfaces in wiping water from such surfaces is largely dueto the height of the blade relative to the length, and this feature isenlarged upon below. In one preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, D12, which is the effective height of the blade extendingfrom a handle, is about 2½ inches. This dimension is the free flexibleheight from bottom of blade insert 13 to the bottom of the grip handleformed by handle sections 15 and 17 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment D1 isabout 12 inches. The ratio of free height to length in this case isabout 0.21, or about 20 twenty percent. The inventor has discoveredempirically that this ratio need to be about ten percent or more for thewater blade to be really useful for automobiles with considerable curvedsurfaces.

[0053] It will be understood that D1 is used in this embodiment both asthe length of the handle sections and the wiper blade, as the lengthsare substantially the same. In some other embodiments handle elementsand wiper blades will be of different dimensions. It is been found byexperiment that in this embodiment, the dimensions 2.5 inches for heightD12 and 12 inches for D1, with a thickness of material of approximately{fraction (3/16)} of an inch produces a useful and preferable result. Inother embodiments wherein the overall dimensions of water blade 11 arelarger or smaller, a material with a more suitable hardness and perhapsthickness may be employed to aid in achieving desirable flexingproperties of water blade 11.

[0054] Providing a significant height for blade insert 13 increases thearea of contact around a curved automobiles surface such as a fender,and the like. The ratio of height to length of blade insert 13 isimportant to the function of water blades in various embodiments of thepresent invention, and will be described in more detail in below.

[0055] Another important characteristic in blade insert 13 is acapability to direct standing water from a surface and to move it in anefficient manner whereby virtually no water residue remains behind onthe automobile surface. This directing effect is accomplished by lip 21which is formed along the longitudinal bottom edge of blade insert 13and extends in the embodiment shown in the form of a tapered angle oneither side. Angled lip 21 produces a rolling action to the water andforces it to ride up on the angled surface of the lip effectivelyseparating the water from the surface of the automobile. It is known tothe inventor that some windshield wiper blades incorporate a similardesign, and it is well known in the art that this design is effective inremoving standing water.

[0056] The angled lip characteristic is unique in conjunction with theheight of the blade, in providing a lipped blade with an ability toconform to compound and radical curves in the surface of an automobile.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in the figures a series of moldedindentions is provided along the length of blade insert 13. The objectof these indentions is to minimize the amount of material required tomold blade insert 13. It is known in the art that silicon rubber isrelatively expensive when compared to other materials, therefore,considerable savings can be realized by employing such material reducingtechniques. In the embodiment shown these indentions are equally spacedapproximately ½ inch (D13) from center line to center, for 24indentions. The uniform height of these indentions is approximately 1⅞inches (D11), and the dimension from the bottom of the indentions to thebottom of blade insert 13 is approximately ½ of an inch (D10).

[0058] Even though indentions as described immediately above may be usedfor saving weight and material volume, in most preferred embodiments thesides of blade 13 are smooth, rather than grooved, and the inventor hasfound that the smooth embodiment actually provides enhanced water-wipingfunction compared to blades with the grooved surface.

[0059] A groove 25 is shown running the entire length of blade insert13. Groove 25, described briefly with reference to FIG. 1, is formedaround the perimeter of blade insert 13, providing the shape ofT-section 18. These grooves provide a secure locking arrangement whenhandle sections 15 and 17 of FIG. 1 are closed, thereby stopping bladeinsert 13 from moving up or down with respect to the grip handle.

[0060] The overall thickness of blade insert 13 is approximately 1/2 ofan inch (D5). A minor thickness of blade insert 13 shown from the insidediameter of T-slot 25 and extending down to the upper shoulder of angledlip 21 is approximately {fraction (3/16)} of an inch (D6). Overallheight of blade insert 13 is approximately 2 and ⅞ inches (D4). Thewidth of grooves 25 of and the height of angled lip 21 are approximately⅛ of an inch (D7 and D8 respectively). The approximate angle of angledlip 21 in the preferred embodiment shown is 30 degrees (A1). In someembodiments the angle at which lip 21 joins the body of the blade isdifferent, and in some embodiments the lip may be on one side only. Theinventor has found that a sharp edge 24 at the end of lip 21 provides asuperior wiping action.

[0061] Various dimensions as described herein are approximate only andare meant to illustrate preferred size relationships of features ofblade insert 13 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Itwill be apparent to one with skill in the art that many changes can bemade with respect to dimensioning water blade 11 without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a largerwater blade may be used on a larger vehicle such as a semi-trailer rigand so on. In one embodiment a water blade with an added height to itsblade insert may be used, for example, if a particular type of vehiclecontains more curved features that are pronounced.

[0062] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the unique action of water blade 13 inconforming to a curved surface 29. FIG. 4A illustrates a section view ofa curved surface, which could be the curvature of a fender, and a waterblade 11 including a rigid handle positioned so that lip 21 is just incontact with the curved surface, but flexible blade element 13 is notdeformed. FIG. 4B is a view in the direction of arrow 27 of FIG. 4A,showing water blade 11 in contact with curved surface with blade element13 not deformed. In this example, the contact of the blade element withthe surface is just a narrow line. This is the situation that willalways exist with a blade having little or no height D12 (FIG. 2).

[0063]FIG. 4C is the same section view of a curved surface 29 as shownin FIG. 4a, with water blade 11 in contact with surface 29, and FIG. 4Dis a view in the direction of arrow 31. In this example, blade 11 hasbeen rotated somewhat around the longitudinal axis of the handle, andthe blade has been urged toward curved surface 29 in the direction ofarrow 33. This movement is applied by a user holding the blade in his orher hand.

[0064] The result of moving the water blade into surface 29 isdeformation of blade element 11, bringing the sharp edge of lip region21 into contact with the surface, and causing flexible blade element 13to wrap around the curvature of the surface to a significant degree. Inthis example, width of the contact area (FIG. 4C) is from point 35 topoint 37. The significantly wide contact line around the curvature ofthe surface is a result of the height D12 (FIG. 2) of flexible bladeelement 13.

[0065] The arc length that may be accomplished by blade element 13around a curved surface in practicing the present invention is afunction of both the height of the blade element and the curvature ofthe surface. As surface curvature may be varied and compound, ratherthan simple, the calculations can be complex. A simplified example isgiven here assuming that the curvature is circular of radius R.

[0066] Given radius R for the curvature of the surface, and a height Hfor dimension D12 of blade element 13, and assuming that the water bladeis urged into the curved surface until the handle is proximate thesurface (which is a max situation, not actually encountered inpractice), the angle α can be determined by the formula:

sin α=(R−H)/R

[0067] The potential length of the contact line to the curved surfacefrom point 35 to point 37 in this situation can then be calculated asthat portion of the circumference of a circle of radius R subtended bytwice the angle α taken around the center of the curvature.

[0068] It is apparent in the above analysis that for the potentiallength of the contact line to be realized, the overall length of theflexible blade element must be at least equal to the potential length.If the length of the blade element is more than the potential contactlength, then part of the blade element will not make contact, as isshown in FIG. 4C. As is described above, in the preferred embodimentshown, the height of the blade element is about 3 inches, and the lengthis about 12 inches. This relationship has been found by the inventor tobe useful for most automobile bodies.

[0069] It will be apparent to those with skill in the art that there aremany alterations that might be made in the embodiments shown anddescribed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In the area of handle provision for water blades inparticular, many variations have been developed. FIG. 5A is aperspective view of one such alternative embodiment. In FIG. 5A a waterblade 39 according to an embodiment of the present invention is moldedfrom material such as silicone material of a single durometer, and ahandle portion 41 is molded integrally from the same material. In themolding process a lengthwise passage 43 opening to either or both endsis molded into the water blade. After molding a rigid stiffener of aboutthe length of the water blade is inserted into the lengthwise passage,and provides rigidity and the function of the rigid handle addedaccording to FIG. 1.

[0070]FIG. 5B shows yet another handle alternative for a water blade 47.In the embodiment of FIG. 5B material of two different durometers aremolded in one mold. A blade region 49 is molded of a material softenough for the needed flexibility, and a more rigid material is moldedas a handle region 51. Procedures for such molding are well-known I theart.

[0071] Effective Water Removal (Displacement) Over Rivets and OtherProjections

[0072] In another aspect of the invention, the lip area of water bladeinsert 13, shown as element 21 in FIG. 1, is especially implemented toprovide for effective water removal (displacement) when used on surfacesthat have projections emanating from the surface, such as rivet heads,raised ornamental patterns, and the like.

[0073]FIG. 6 is an exploded and broken view of lip 21 of water bladeinsert 13 of FIG. I according to an embodiment of the present inventionwherein lip 21 is not orthogonal to the height of the blade, but atother than a right angle.

[0074] It was mentioned above that some windshield wiper blades, knownto the inventor, have lip regions that are similar in design to lip 21of FIG. 1, and are known to be effective for removing standing water.However, it is also known and accepted in the art that a windshieldwiper is limited by design and rigidity of material in that it iseffective for a slightly curved and smooth surface such as a windshield.It was also mentioned above that the shape of lip 21 combined with theheight of blade insert 13 is unique in it's ability to conform to andremove water from compound and radical curves in the surface of anautomobile. This unique capability of water removal inherent to lip 21,as previously taught, is not limited only to contours and curves such asare common to surfaces of automobiles, trucks and other vehicles, butalso extends, in some embodiments, to projections from surfaces as foundin rivets, diamond plate, and other ornamental features found on someautomobile surfaces, airplane surfaces, truck surfaces, and many otherlike surfaces that may or may not be associated with a type of vehicle,as is taught below.

[0075] The flexing capabilities of blade insert 13 and lip 21 also playa major roll in the ability of water blade 11 to remove water from moredifficult surfaces such as surfaces exhibiting rivet heads, diamondpattern, and so forth. For example, with the applied action of waterblade 11 over a given surface that may be contoured and have a raisedpattern such as a diamond head pattern, blade insert 13 will conform tothe contour while the contact side of lip 21 will conform to and aroundthe edges of the diamond pattern effectively removing water. Lip 21, forexample, may be specially designed with the required length (extensionfrom the body of blade 13) for extending more than the total raisedheight of an ornamental pattern or an array of rivets and so on.

[0076] The inventor has discovered that an important factor in theability of a lip, such as lip 21, to conform to raised elements in asurface to be wiped, such as rivet heads and diamond patterns mentioned,is the included angle of the lip at the apex of the lip. Depending onthe nature of the raised surface to be wiped, the angle needs to be 30degrees or less. In some cases the angle needs to be no more than 20degrees. The actual angle that works in some cases is a function also ofthe length of the lip from the body of the wiper blade, and of theflexibility (softness) of the material of the lip. For a simple lip ofsubstantially triangular shape, an extension from the body of about{fraction (3/16)} inches, and a durometer of about 30, an angle of frombetween 10 and 20 degrees is best. An included angle of more than 30degrees is not very useful, and the angle needs to be less than thirtydegrees.

[0077]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the water blade of FIG. 1removing (displacing) water from a surface having rivet-head projectionsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,a user urges water blade 11 across a surface 61 having projecting rivetheads 63 in the direction of the arrows while, at the same time, keepinga sufficient downward force on surface 61 to cause the lip to conform tothe shape of the raised rivet heads. As one side (contact side) of lip21 passes over a rivet head 63, the flexible material conforms to theshape of each of the raised regions. In this fashion, water is displacedfrom all areas exposed to lip 21 including regions in between raisedrivet heads of surface 61.

[0078]FIG. 7B is an elevation view of water blade 11 and rivet-studdedsurface 61 of FIG. 7A. When viewing water blade 11 and surface 61 in thedirection of motion as indicated 10 by the directional arrows of FIG.7A, one can see how tightly lip 21 conforms around raised regions suchas those present on surface 61. This unique ability is due to theflexibility of the material and design of lip 21 wherein sufficientlength and flexibility is provided for conforming around such shapes. Itwill be apparent to the skilled artisan that one angular side or potionof lip 21 may be formed of a substantially greater length than theopposing side so that dual use is provided to water blade 11 withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, one side having a longer extension may be used for surfaceshaving raised regions while the opposing shorter side is used for smoothsurfaces and so on. In alternative embodiments alternate designs areprovided to the lip section of blade 11 to conform to even more complexsurface features as taught below.

[0079]FIG. 8A is an end view of a lip shape according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip section 65is formed having a v shape configuration on each opposing end. As is thecase with lip 21 of FIG. 1, the v form is made to extend along thelongitudinal edge of blade insert 13 of FIG. 1. This v formationproduces a double-edge effect providing a second swipe at a surfaceduring one initial pass of water blade 11.

[0080]FIG. 8B is an end view of a lip design according to yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip section 67is formed having a v shape similar to lip 65 of FIG. 8A accept that theopposing formations are much closer together. Such a formation may beused, for example, when raised areas or portions of a surface are notparticularly high therefore not requiring substantial length with regardto lip formation.

[0081]FIG. 8C is an end view of a lip design according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this example, a lip 69 is formedhaving a half-moon shape on opposing ends and a substantially straightbridge connecting the half-moon shapes to each other. As with theprevious two examples, there are now two swiping edges that are able tomake contact with a surface during one pass with blade 11. A formationsuch as seen in this embodiment may be useful for a surface that has aseries of rounded rows forming a ribbed surface. The formation shownhere would allow bi-directional motion of water blade 11 such as acrossthe rows and down the rows wherein water removal is successful in eitherdirection.

[0082]FIG. 9 is an end view of yet another, and simpler, embodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment the lip is a simple straightprojection forming an orthogonal T-bar at the bottom of blade 13, theT-bar having essentially constant wall thickness.

[0083] Effective Spray-on Wax Application Using Water Blade

[0084] In another aspect of the present invention the water wipingapparatus described above in various embodiments provides an effectivemeans for applying spray-on wax or other such finishing products thatare sprayed on to a just-washed painted surface. It is an object of thepresent invention, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10A, to provide animproved method and apparatus for evenly spreading spray-on wax or othersuch vehicle finish products that are sprayed on a wet or dryjust-washed painted surface, while significantly improving theapplication of the distributed spray-on wax or other such spray-onfinishing products to the surface. It must be noted, however, that theinvention is in no way limited to automotive paint, and the inventionmay be practiced in various embodiments on a variety of surfaces ontowhich a spray-on finishing product, such as spray-on wax, may beapplied.

[0085] The improved method and apparatus according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, as is described below in enablingdetail, is best practiced on a substantially flat painted surface.However, various alternative embodiments of the invention, as describedabove utilizing different shapes and styles in the lip area of the wiperblade insert, may be used for effectively applying a spray-on finishingproduct to curved or contoured services, or other services notsubstantially flat, and also to surfaces is having projections emanatingfrom the surface, such as rivet heads, raised ornamental patterns, andthe like.

[0086]FIG. 10A is an end view of the lip area of a water blade elementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, as described indetail above, applied to a painted surface with one lip urged into thesurface. Blade element 101, similar to that of FIG. 1, is shown in thisview having a lip region 103, lip region 103 provided in this embodimentalong the longitudinal bottom edge of blade element 101. In thepreferred embodiment shown blade element 101 is molded or otherwiseformed from a silicon rubber material, but it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art however that blade element 101 may be manufacturedfrom other materials having similar suitable flexibility and resilience.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in this view, a surface 105 isillustrated which represents the outer surface of a portion of the bodyof a vehicle being detailed, which is covered with a layer of typicalautomotive paint, onto the surface of which an aspect of the presentinvention, as will be described below in detail, is practiced. Surface105 in the embodiment shown is a typical layering of automotive paint,but may also be of a variety of different paint types applied usingvarious known methods.

[0088] As is well-known in the art, a typical painted surface of avehicle, although appearing substantially smooth and glossy to the nakedeye when the paint is properly applied, is actually quite porous,comprising a multitude of tiny pores in the form of valleys andcrevices. Such a surface is especially apparent when the painted surfaceis viewed under very high magnification. A plurality of pores 107indicate such a porous surface in the present illustration, howeverpores 107 are greatly enlarged in this view, relative to blade element101 and surface 105, for the purpose of illustration.

[0089] Surface 105 in the embodiment shown is a just-washed paintedsurface on which a portion of the water used in washing the surfaceremains. As previously mentioned, however, in practicing the presentinvention in alternative embodiments it is not required that thejust-washed surface of the paint still be wet from the washing. As istypical in the art of detailing an automotive painted finish, thespray-on wax product, or other spray-on finishing product is applied tothe wet surface of the paint by spraying just after washing the surface,before the remaining water droplets have evaporated. It is desirablethat the spray-on wax or other finishing product sprayed onto the wetsurface is mixed with the remaining water droplets on the paintedsurface, such that dispersion of the wax product is enhanced by virtueof the remaining water. Droplets 109 in the embodiment shown representthe remaining water from the washing, mixed with a spray-on wax productthat has been sprayed on the wet surface of surface 105. Although detailis not explicitly shown in this view, solid elements of the spray-on waxproduct or other finishing product are suspended along with the carrierfor the spray-on wax product within the remaining water droplets 109 onsurface 105. Much greater detail of such suspended wax solids within theremaining water droplets, as well as the tiny crevices and valleysforming the porous painted surface are shown in a subsequentillustration, FIG. 10B.

[0090] In practice of the present invention in the embodiment shown inFIG. 10A, blade element 101, with lip portion 103 urged against surface105, is drawn horizontally in the direction indicated, with consistentdownward pressure applied to blade element 101 as indicated by thedownward directional arrow. Blade element 101, as shown in the view, isdisposed at an angle such that when drawn horizontally across surface105 with slight downward pressure applied to blade element 101, lipportion 103 bends slightly backward trailing behind blade element 101,and skims surface 105 for the purpose of dispersing (removing) much ofthe remaining water in droplets 109, as described above for previousembodiments, but at the same time applying the solid wax products withindroplets 109 to surface 105, such that a much greater portion of thesolid wax products within droplets 109 are applied and settled intopores 107 of surface 105, when compared to conventional methods ofwiping the droplets of water and wax using sets of wiping cloths orchamois.

[0091]FIG. 10B is an end view of lip portion 103 and surface 105 of FIG.10A, enlarged to show greater detail of pores 105 and the mixture ofwater and wax solids remaining on the surface. The tiny crevices andvalleys forming pores 105, which, as described above, are typical ofautomotive paint, are clearly illustrated in this view, creating theporous qualities of surface 105. It is noted, however, that theillustration of 105 and pores 107 is exemplary only, and may or may notrepresent the actual appearance of such pores in an actual surfacecoated with automotive paint. The inventor deems the exemplaryillustration as sufficient, however, to depict the microscopic pores 107and practice of the present invention.

[0092] As detailed in the previous illustration FIG. 10A, lip portion103 is drawn horizontally as indicated by the directional arrow, acrosssurface 105, with slight downward pressure applied as indicated to lipportion 103, thereby urging the lower tip of lip portion 103 down ontosurface 105. As described above with reference to previous illustrationsdepicting removing of standing water from the painted surface using thewiper blade of the present invention, the wiping action utilized in thepresent illustration for removing standing water and applying spray-onwax is the same.

[0093] Forward of lip portion 103 there is a mixture 11 of water and waxsolids comprising water 117, which is the remaining water on thejust-washed surface 105, and wax solids 113 which have been sprayed,along with the carrier solution (not shown), onto surface 105 just afterwashing. As detailed in this view, a portion of the wax solids 113 ofmixture 111 are still suspended in water 117, and a portion of solids113 have settled into pores 107. Mixture 111 is moved by the forwardhorizontal motion of lip portion 103 across surface 105, and creates amixing action for water 117 and wax solids 113 as it is drawnhorizontally at the proper angle with slight downward pressure, asshown, across surface 105. Lip portion 103, as described above inprevious embodiments, disperses (removes) a substantial portion of theremaining wash water and carrier solution on surface 105 and tends toforce a substantial portion of wax solids 113 into pores 107.

[0094] The resulting layer of wax solids, which is now evenlydistributed across surface 105, even if the wax solution was sprayed onunevenly, remains behind lip portion 103 to form a desired smoothprotective and specular wax finish on surface 105 as shown,substantially filling the uneven surface and pores 107 of surface 105.The resulting finish appears to be smoother and much shinier to thenaked eye when compared to a conventional finish utilizing sets ofcommon wiping cloths or chamois for wiping the water/wax mixture afterwashing of the surface, as in conventional detailing using spray- on waxproducts.

[0095] As previously described, practice of the invention does notrequire that water droplets remain on the just-washed surface. Somespray-on wax products are solvent-based, instead of water-based, and maycontain a much higher proportion of wax solids to carrier solution, andthus provide somewhat more protective abilities to the surface beingdetailed. Many liquid spray wax products are designed just for touch-upwaxing of the surface finish of the vehicle without using water at all,the idea being that if the surface to be detailed is substantially freeof dirt particles and already has a base wax which has been previouslyapplied, a detailer can spray the dry-wax liquid directly onto thevehicle surface, and utilize the wiper blade of the present invention asdescribed above to evenly disperse the wax solids of the spray-onproduct over the painted surface. In such a way porousness of thesurface being detailed is further reduced by virtue of the wax solids ofthe spray-on product being forced into the tiny crevices of the paintedsurface, over the previous wax solids that are already in the crevicesby virtue of the previous wax application. A much smoother surface isthereby created which appears much shinier to the naked eye afterapplication utilizing the wiper blade of the present invention asdescribed above. Such dry-washing products usually provide the longestprotective durability, often lasting up to several months. Many dry-washproducts on the market today also contain stronger protective elements,when compared to standard spray-on wax/cleaning products, some evencontaining an added liquefied polymer sealant, providing a furtherenhanced protective durability that can range from several weeks toseveral months.

[0096] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that examplesshown in FIG.'s 8A-C, 9 and 10A, B are merely a few of many possiblelip-design variations that may be implemented without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention to provide for conforming tocomplicated shapes on surfaces to be processed with a wiper blade astaught herein.

[0097] In another example of alternative embodiments, larger or smallerwater blades may be desirable for certain situations. For example,larger blades may be provided for use with large vehicles, such astractor/trailer rigs and the like, or for vans and other trucks. In someembodiments, especially for use with large vehicles or other entitieswith large body areas, interfaces may be provided for handle extensionsand the like, to allow a user to present the blade to otherwisehard-to-reach areas. Such interfaces might include such as ball andsocket joints for flexibility in positioning a water blade inrelationship to a handle.

[0098] As another example, many different materials that could be usedin the fabrication of a water blade in different embodiments. In otherembodiments blade inserts may be of differing heights and lengths andmay be sold separately to be inserted into one handle grip and so forth.The breadth of the present invention is limited only by the claims thatfollow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for improving the specularity of asurface, comprising the steps of: (a) spraying a wax material suspendedin a carrier or solvent onto the surface; and (b) drawing a lip of awiper blade across the surface, wiping away the carrier or solvent andleaving the wax material in pores and crevices of the surface.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising a step prior to steps (a) and (b)for washing the surface, leaving water droplets on the surface.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising a step for allowing the waterdroplets to dry before step (a).
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein thesurface has curved portions, and the wiper blade has a height betweenthe lip and a handle sufficient to allow the lip to form around thecurved portions.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface is asurface of vehicle.